2020/21 WORK
The themes for the 2020/21 InFinnity Project are inspired by this work called Aurora.
Inspired by Lucy Jago’s book about the Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland, who solved the mysteries of one of nature’s most spectacular displays in search of the Northern Lights.
Finn created this work using sketching and colouration on computer whilst at Falmouth School of Art studying for his Illustration degree. Available as a postcard and A3 poster at clarkcards.co.uk
- Electricity
- Summits
- Light
Up to three submissions can be accepted either one for each theme, or any combination that is preferred. Closing date 31.08.2021
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Daybreak
Medium: Acrylic on paper, 15″×12″
Size: 15″ x 12″
Theme: Light
Michelle Cush (37) from Braintree has submitted this work under the Light theme. Michelle is part of the Rethink Mental Illness Art Group in Braintree and has contributed work over several years. She says: “I find that art is relaxing and takes my mind off of my problems.”
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: Flash
Medium: Ink on card
Size: A2 – 59.4cm x 42cm
Theme: Electricity
The third submission by Aimee Emerson is called Flash. Aimee says “Entering was a must for me as graphic design, illustration & still photography form a huge part of my life and steady the balance of my mental health. Art is why I’m here!”
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: Pylon Study by Aimee Emerson
Medium: Ink on card
Size: A2 – 59.4cm x 42cm
Theme: Electricity
The second piece submitted by Aimee Emerson is called Pylon Study. Aimee is a transgender woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, severe anxiety and depression. She says: Art gives me immense enjoyment, distraction and purpose. It massively helps with my mental health problems for these reasons. I would be lost without art; it is the strongest tool in my work box.”
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: Electri City by Aimee Emerson
Medium: Ink on card
Size: A2 – 59.4cm x 42cm
Theme: Electricity
Aimee Emerson (39) from Trowbridge has submitted three pieces under the Electricity theme. She says : “Contributing to The InFinnity Project was a must for me as graphic design, illustration & still photography form a huge part of my life and steady the balance of my mental health. Art is why I’m here!”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Studies: Oriel Window
Medium: Geli print image transfers using an original photograph
Size: 7″x 10″ 16.5 x25.5 cm
Theme: Light
Cathy Trevaldwyn (70+) from Chelmsford has submitted this work. As a sufferer of bipolar disorder – she says: “For me always having some kind of creative activity to do is essential for my wellbeing- for example during lock-down.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Mindful of your surroundings – Circle
Medium: Fine creative peak soft wax coloured pencils
Size: A4
Theme: Light
The third submission by Nick Wilson from Manchester under the Light theme. Nick says “colouring with soft wax coloured pencils helps with my ptsd.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Mindful of your surroundings – Patterns
Medium: Fine creative peak soft wax coloured pencils
Size: A4
Theme: Light
Nick Wilson (37) from Manchester has submitted this work independently, although he is part of the Rethink Manchester group. Nick says: “Creating art like this is my therapy to help with my emdr therapy.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Mindful of your surroundings – Trees
Medium: Fine creative peak soft wax coloured pencils
Size: A4
Theme: Light
Nick Wilson (37) from Manchester has submitted this work independently, although he is part of the Rethink Manchester group. He says: “I find that colouring in different patterns shapes animals etc where I have the freedom to do what ever colours I want really helps me manage my ptsd.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Self Portrait
Medium: Collage
Size: A4
Theme: Light
Thais Hilgenberg (28) from London, knew Finn through work at the Natural History Museum. She is submitting this work independently and says: “It’s a form of therapy and an outlet for all the thoughts and feelings that I struggle with. I think art is a detrimental part of my life and sometimes the physical act of creating helps sort out my emotions.” Thais adds “the print behind is a photo of the Helix Nebula – hence the submission under Light.”
Submitted under the Summits theme:
Title: Mountains of my mind
Medium: Oil on canvas
Theme: Summits
Size: 48″ x 48′
This work by Burgette Matthews, (34) from Wakefield is submitting this work independently. She says: “I am inspired by a diverse range of subjects, including the landscape and forms found within it. I associate mountains metaphorically with the problems we all face in our daily lives, which at times seem insurmountable and affect our mental health- the mountains of our minds.”
Another submission under the Summits theme:
Title: Rise Above
Medium : Oil on canvas
Theme: Summits
Size: 36″ x 36″
This work by Burgette Matthews, (34) from Wakefield is submitting this work independently. She says: “As a keen walker and mountaineer, I associate being out in nature and reaching those summits with a challenge faced and overcome- to rise above. Art has always been a form of catharsis for me.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Finding the light in the dark
Medium: Acrylics on canvas
Theme: Light
Size: 100cm x 100cm
Liz Walliman (49) from Gloucestershire has submitted this independently says: “It’s a form of release for me, Art allows me to spill my deepest thoughts and feelings and turn them into something beautiful. I have submitted this piece to highlight that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Forest Light
Medium: Oil pastels
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Lauren Foster (47) from Loughborough says: “Going for a woodland walk on a sunny day helps lift the blues. I have struggled with a mental health condition since my teens and art work has helped me to get through difficult times and come to terms with trauma.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Birch Trees in the Moonlight
Medium: Wax and Watercolour
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Lauren Foster (47) from Loughborough says: “A connection with nature helps me to cope with the dark periods. ”
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: Eye of the Storm
Medium: Oil Pastel
Theme: Electricity
Size: A5 – 148mm x 210mm
Lauren Foster (47) from Loughborough says: “I have struggled with a mental health condition since my teens and art work has helped me to get through difficult times and come to terms with trauma.”
Submitted under the Summits theme:
Title: Mountain Rainbow
Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas
Theme: Summits
Size: 100cm x 100cm
Mountain Rainbow is an acrylic painting on canvas by Madeleine Pickett (40) who lives in Norfolk. She entered work previously to the InFinnity Project in 2017 and it is great to see this entry under the Summits theme. Madeleine has a diagnosed mental health illness and has submitted this work independently.
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Self Help
Medium: Ink on Paper
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Emma is 21 years old and lives in Italy. She has a diagnosed mental illness and has submitted this piece independently. This is one of two pieces submitted.
Title: Self Irony
Medium: Ink on Paper
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Keep Turning Your Pages
Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Rebecca (26 years) has submitted this piece independently – she says “I tragically lost my Mum in 2019 and this has hugely impacted my mental health. I wanted to share this piece in the hope that it might help others struggling with grief or mental health issues keep sight of hope for better and lighter days. “
“Art acts as a form of journaling for me and allows me to access and reflect on my emotions. ”
This is a powerful tribute and we are grateful for the submission from someone who is grieving. Thank you Rebecca.
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: Summer Storm
Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Theme: Electricity
Size: A4
Jenny Rutland (63) has submitted this work independently. She regularly attends the Braintree Rethink Art Group and she has supported this project since its inception. Jenny says: “Art is a massively important part of my life since joining the Art Group. It helps me relax and is calming, reducing my anxiety and lifts my depression while I am working on my art.”
Submitted under the Summits theme:
Title: Matterhorn
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Theme: Summits
Size: A4
Another submission from Jenny Rutland from the Braintree Rethink Art Group. Jenny says: “When I am concentrating on a piece of work it relaxes me which eases my anxiety and depression.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Sunset at Abberton Reservoir
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Jenny says: “Concentrating on Art takes my mind off my problems and is very relaxing.”
Submitted under the Light theme:
Title: Light the dark with Art
Medium: Pencils and neocolour pastel
Theme: Light
Size: A4
Kaz says: “Art is my only light source some days and I use art to light up other peoples hearts.”
Submitted under Summits theme:
Title: Illumate
Medium: Made with papers, scrap paintings
Size: A4
Theme: Summits
Kaz says: I made this collage with papers, scrap paintings, As I was cutting up papers this lad appeared so included him in the collage.”
Submitted under the Electricity theme:
Title: You are powerful
Medium: Inktense pencils, neocolor pastels
Size: A4
Theme: Electricity